Appoint Principal Designer

Appoint Principal Designer

Description

Where there is more than one contractor, or where it is reasonably forseeable that more than one contractor will be working on a project at any time, Imperial must appoint, in writing, a Principal Designer (PD) with responsibility for the pre-construction phase. The PD should be appointed as early as possible in the design process, preferably at the concept stage where practicable. Early appointment enables Imperial to receive appropriate support in coordinating pre-construction information and ensures the PD has sufficient time to discharge their statutory duties effectively. The duration of the PD's appointment must consider any design activities that continue into the construction phase, as well as any design modifications that may be required during construction. 

Engagement

The Project Manager (PM) must appoint the PD as early as possible in the design process, ideally at the concept stage. The PD should remain appointed for as long as their duties are required. Where the PD's appointment concludes before the end of the project, the PM must ensure that the Principal Contractor is fully briefed on all health and safety matters arising from the design that are relrevant to any subsequent construction work. For projects involving early-stage input from a concept architect or project management company, followed by the appointment of a design and build contractor or novated designer, it may be appropriate to formally terminate the initial PD appointment and appoint a new PD. The PM must ensure that the PD transfers the Health & Safety File to the Principal Contractor where applicable, so that it can be reviewed, updated, and maintained for the remainder of the project. If the PM fails to appoint a PD where required, Imperial will be deemed to have assumed the dutyholder role and must fulfil the associated statutory responsibilities. 

Forms & Links

Where a PD is appointed during the pre-construction phase, the Schedule of Services for Principal Designer Pre-Tender Document must be issued to the PD. 

Schedule of Services for Principal Designer Pre-Tender Document: PD SoS Pre-Tender Guidelines

Where a PD is appointed post-tender stage or during the construction phase, the Schedule of Services for Principal Designer Post-Tender Document must be issued to the PD.

Schedule of Services for Principal Designer Post-Tender Document: PD SoS Post Tender Guidelines

The Principal Designer Monthly Report Template must also be issued to the PD to faciltate the monthly reporting activities and compliance matters. 

Principal Designer Monthly Report Template: CSM04 Principal Designer Report

Approvals & Compliance Review

• The PM must inform the Health & Safety Team of the PD appointment and provide full details of the appointed individual or organisation.
• The PM must arrange a PD induction meeting with the Health & Safety Team.
• The PM must receive the Principal Designer Monthly Report from the PD and forward it to the Health & Safety Team for review and monitoring purposes. 

Repeated Subsequent RIBA Stages

This process does not need to be repeated at subsequent RIBA stages unless the PD's appointment has been formally terminated and a new PD has been appointed.